| dc.description.abstract | Preterm birth remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to neonatal mortality and morbidity thus reduced chances of survival of children under 5 years.
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), an evidence-based intervention, which is the early initiation of skin-to- skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding, greatly enhances the likelihood of survival for a premature or low birthweight infant. Understanding caregivers' perceptions of KMC is vital for its successful implementation.
The WHO and MOH Kenya 2023, guidelines the KMC as an approach which involves early, continuous, and extended skin-to- skin contact between mother and baby, ideally combined with exclusive breastfeeding at least 8hours a day. Beginning in the hospital and can be maintained at home, allowing for early discharge of preterm infants and reduced agitation.
However due to limited knowledge of the importance of the KMC, rapidly rising cost of hospital care, poor hygiene and infection prevention and control practices, poor socio-economic status, limited room space, inadequate partner or social support most mothers are unable to adequately perform the Kangaroo mother care properly.
Inconsistences set in due to mismatch between practice, access and continuation of the practice at home due to limited or no support from family members and relatives due to phobia of preterm babies, increased work demands, stigma and discrimination.
This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of caregivers of preterm babies at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), understanding the level of knowledge of the kangaroo mother care by the caregivers, and how the socioeconomic status and healthcare factors influencing KMC practices
Main objective is to investigate the perception of KMC amongst caregivers of KMC, others include to determine how the level of knowledge of KMC, socioeconomic status and the hospital related factors affect Kangaroo Mother Care.
This study will employ descriptive cross-sectional research design and mixed-methods approach of data collection i.e., using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews.
Purposive sampling will be used focusing on the caregivers of the Kangaroo mother care to determine the caregivers’ perception of the practice.
Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from interviews thematically analyzed to identify common patterns and develop relevant themes.
Findings will be presented in narrative form, supported by tables and charts to fully explain data. | en_US |
